The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the move as a major boost to the morale, welfare and operational effectiveness of troops.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister expressed profound appreciation to the President, saying the new salary structure reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening national security.

The revised salary package, which will take effect from September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit about 250,000 officers and soldiers across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Presidency had earlier announced that personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant would receive an 80 per cent salary increase, officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel would get a 50 per cent raise, while senior officers above the rank of Colonel would benefit from a 30 per cent increase.

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Musa said the structure of the pay review demonstrates President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise frontline troops while advancing broader security sector reforms.

According to him, the increase in annual personnel expenditure from n660 billion to N924 billion underscores the President’s commitment to translating promises into concrete action.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to safeguard the peace and territorial integrity of our nation. By raising the annual personnel cost from N660 billion to N924 billion, the President has matched words with action, proving that the welfare of our troops remains a top priority,” the minister said.

He noted that the improved remuneration would help ease the financial burden on officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operation, including those fighting insurgency in the North-East, combating banditry, kidnapping and oil theft across the country.

Musa assured the President and Nigerians that the military would reciprocate the gesture with renewed commitment, professionalism and enhanced operational efficiency.

He urged officers and personnel of the Armed Forces to view the improved conditions of service as a renewed call to duty by intensifying efforts to eliminate security threats, protect lives and property, and restore peace nationwide.

The Defence Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s agenda of modernising military equipment, strengthening technological capabilities, and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.